Hajj Visa UK: Requirements and Application Guide

Planning for Hajj from the UK involves much more than booking a flight. You need to secure a Hajj visa, gather the right documents, meet strict health criteria, and manage significant international costs.

This guide explains how to obtain a Hajj visa from the UK, including entry requirements, a step-by-step application walkthrough, and what you can expect to pay.

Financial planning is just as important as paperwork. A Wise account lets you pay for your Hajj package with low fees* and the mid-market exchange rate, so more of your money goes towards the pilgrimage itself.

Learn about the Wise account

Hajj visa requirements for UK residents

Passport and residency documents

Your UK passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your return date from Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities will not issue a Hajj visa for a passport that falls short of this requirement, so renew early if needed.

You will also need to provide:

• A recent passport-sized photograph
• Proof of UK address, such as a utility bill or bank statement
• Any additional identity documents requested during registration on the Nusuk Hajj platform

GOV.UK advises keeping photocopies of all travel documents during your trip and leaving a copy with someone at home.¹ If your passport is lost while you are in Saudi Arabia, you will need to apply for an Emergency Travel Document to return to the UK, which costs £125 at the time of writing.¹

The Hajj visa is single-entry, issued for a fixed period, and cannot be extended. Overstaying can result in heavy fines, detention, deportation, or a ban from returning to Saudi Arabia in the future, so check your visa expiry date carefully before travel.¹

Mandatory health and vaccination certificates

Saudi authorities require all Hajj pilgrims to hold a valid certificate of vaccination against the ACWY strains of meningitis, administered at least 10 days before arriving in the country. This is a compulsory entry requirement, not a recommendation.¹

You should also make sure your routine UK vaccinations are up to date. A consultation with your GP or a travel health clinic at least four to six weeks before your departure date is strongly recommended. They can review your individual health risks and advise on whether additional vaccines are appropriate for you.

Hajj can involve extreme heat, with temperatures in Saudi Arabia sometimes exceeding 50°C. Pilgrims walk long distances over several days, which places significant physical demands on the body. Be open with your doctor about any existing health conditions, and carry enough medication for the full trip, including any possible delays.¹

How to apply via Nusuk Hajj

UK pilgrims are required to book Hajj exclusively through the official Nusuk Hajj platform, which is overseen by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.² You cannot obtain a Hajj visa independently or through a third-party travel agent. All bookings, visas, and payments are managed through Nusuk.

Creating your official account

The first step is to create an account on hajj.nusuk.sa, using your email address and selecting the United Kingdom as your country of residence.

Once registered, you will need to:

1. Upload your supporting documents (passport scan, photograph, proof of address)
2. Complete the application form with your personal details
3. Submit your application and wait for verification

Registering on the Nusuk platform does not guarantee a Hajj place. Acceptance depends on quota allocation and successful document verification. Keep an eye on platform notifications and subscribe to Nusuk updates, as deadlines for accepting a place and completing payment are strict, typically 7 to 10 days after acceptance is confirmed.²

Only ever use the official platform at hajj.nusuk.sa. GOV.UK warns that UK-based organised crime groups actively target people planning Hajj with fraudulent offers, fake visa services, and bogus travel packages.¹ If a deal seems too good to be true, do not proceed.

Selecting and booking service packages

Once your application is approved, the next steps on the platform are:

• Top up your Nusuk eWallet with funds in Saudi riyals (SAR) to cover your chosen package. This is where the GBP to SAR exchange rate can have a real impact on your overall cost
• Browse available service providers and package categories
• Select your preferred tier, accommodation zone, and any add-ons
• Confirm your booking and review your itinerary

Packages on Nusuk range from Standard to Premium to Luxury, across both shifting and non-shifting formats.

You can learn more about how Wise helps with currency conversion in our guide on how Wise works, which may be useful when preparing to top up your eWallet ahead of a tight payment window.

Estimated costs for UK pilgrims

Hajj is one of the most significant financial commitments a Muslim makes in their lifetime. Understanding what is and is not included in your package helps you budget realistically and avoid unexpected costs.

Package price tiers and inclusions

Hajj package prices for UK pilgrims vary based on hotel standard, proximity to Al-Masjid Al-Haram, duration, and services included. Below is a general overview based on recent package pricing, but costs can change each Hajj season:

Most all-inclusive packages cover:

• Visa issuance
• Return flights from a UK airport
• Accommodation in Makkah and/or Madinah
• Meals and catering
• Transportation between cities and holy sites
• Mashair services, including guidance through the Hajj rituals

Non-shifting packages keep you in one hotel in Makkah throughout your stay, which suits pilgrims who prefer consistency. Shifting packages include a second accommodation close to the Sacred Mashair sites during the Hajj period, making it easier to access rituals in Mina, but they typically require a longer minimum stay.²

Because packages are paid through the Nusuk eWallet in SAR, the exchange rate you get when converting from GBP matters. With a Wise account, you can hold 40+ currencies and convert at the mid-market rate with low, transparent fees. The Wise card can also be used in 150+ countries for any local spending in Makkah or Madinah.

Additional fees for Qurbani and permits

Beyond your package price, there are extra costs to plan for:

• Qurbani (sacrifice): The ritual animal sacrifice performed on Eid al-Adha is a key part of Hajj. It can be arranged through a registered provider, either included in your package or as a separate add-on
• Permit processing fees: Some packages include the Hajj permit in the total price; others charge separately. Check this carefully before booking
• Travel insurance: Comprehensive cover for medical emergencies, delays, and cancellations is essential for a trip of this complexity
• Personal spending: Most pilgrims budget additional funds for gifts, prayer items, and any meals not covered by their package

Important timelines and deadlines

When to apply for Hajj from the UK

Hajj takes place from 8 to 13 Dhul-Hijjah each year. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the Gregorian dates move around 10 to 11 days earlier each year.

Hajj visas are issued for a specific Hajj season only, and registration windows, package availability and payment deadlines can change each year. UK pilgrims should check the official Nusuk Hajj platform regularly for the latest registration dates, package releases and payment instructions.

Document submission and verification dates

Once your Nusuk application is accepted, you will usually have a window of just 7 to 10 days to select your package and complete payment. Missing this window may result in losing your allocated place.²

Before your departure date, make sure the following are ready:

• ACWY meningitis vaccination certificate, dated at least 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia ¹
• Valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity after your return date
• Nusuk booking confirmation and visa documentation
• Travel insurance certificate

Book your vaccination appointment well in advance, as travel clinics get busy in the months leading up to Hajj.

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Securing a Hajj visa from the UK requires early registration on the official Nusuk platform, meeting the Saudi health entry requirements, and planning both your documents and finances well ahead of time. The earlier you start, the smoother the process tends to be.

Managing your money wisely is a practical part of that preparation. Whether you are topping up your Nusuk eWallet in SAR, covering local costs in Makkah and Madinah, or sending money ahead of your departure, currency conversion fees can add up. Open a Wise account today to save on currency conversion for your Hajj expenses, and check out our Wise pricing page to see the fees upfront.

Join Wise today for free 🌍

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FAQs

Can I perform Hajj on a tourist visa?

No. A Hajj visa issued through the official Nusuk platform is the only valid permit for performing Hajj. Tourist, business, and Umrah visas do not allow entry to Makkah during the Hajj season, and performing Hajj without the correct visa can result in deportation or a future travel ban to Saudi Arabia.¹

What vaccinations do I need for Hajj?

A certificate of vaccination against the ACWY strains of meningitis, given at least 10 days before you arrive in Saudi Arabia, is mandatory.¹ You should also keep your routine UK vaccinations up to date and consult your GP or a travel health clinic at least four to six weeks before departure for advice tailored to your health.

How much does a Hajj package cost?

Hajj packages for UK pilgrims range from approximately £4,500 for a standard package to over £12,000 for a luxury option. The final price depends on hotel rating, proximity to the Haram, trip duration, and what services are included. Most all-inclusive packages cover flights, accommodation, meals, transport, and visa issuance.

What is the minimum age for pilgrims?

Pilgrims must be at least 12 years old to register through the Nusuk Hajj platform. Children under 12 are not permitted due to the significant physical demands and crowd-related risks associated with the pilgrimage.

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Sources used:

1. Pilgrimage - Saudi Arabia travel advice – GOV.UK
2. Nusuk Hajj Platform – Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Saudi Arabia

Sources last checked on: 20 May 2026